July 25, 2012— For the third year in a row, Boone County earned recognition for successful outcomes through strategic use of information and communications technology. On Monday, July 16, the Center for Digital Government announced the top ten counties in each of four population categories, including Boone County, which ranked ninth place amongst counties with a population between 150,000 and 249,999. Boone County has been ranked in the top ten among counties of similar population for seven of the past eight years.

The 10th Annual Digital Counties Survey, which is open to all U.S. counties, is conducted by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government and the Digital Communities program, in partnership with the National Association of Counties. The self-report survey offers counties an opportunity to share the outcomes they have accomplished through the strategic use of technology. The panel of expert judges looks not only at these outcomes but also at achievement of progress from the previous year, alignment of outcomes with the county’s priorities, commitment to collaboration both within and outside their organization and demonstration of innovation.

"Counties across the country are aligning technology initiatives with executive strategic priorities to provide vital cost savings and administrative efficiencies," said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. "The Digital Counties Survey identifies best practices and innovative uses of technology crucial with today's constrained budgets to maintaining and even improving service levels."

Boone County’s innovations in technology provide efficient, streamlined approaches to previously cumbersome processes, which increases effectiveness while decreasing cost. Among the accomplishments of Boone County are the redesigned online employment application process; the Sign Asset Review and Approval Program (SARAP), utilized by both Public Works and Resource Management; and internal management applications developed for supervisors to see the work flow of his/her department. All of these show the innovation and collaboration necessary for Boone County to be a leader in the field of digital government. Commissioner Karen M. Miller accepted the award on behalf of Boone County at the 2012 NACo Annual Conference and Exposition. It will be presented to Boone County Information Technology at the Commission meeting Thursday, July 26 at 1:30PM in the Boone County Commission Chambers.